RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day

When it comes to sports day music, many people might think of classical pieces like ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ (Infernal Galop from ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’).

However, in recent years, more schools have been using pop songs and anime tracks as background music in addition to the classic staples, making the selection more diverse.

In this article, we’ll introduce lively songs that perfectly match the sports day atmosphere—not only long-standing classics but also popular J-POP tunes among elementary and middle school students.

Use this as a reference for your playlist!

[Marching, Footraces, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Your Sports Day (121–130)

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Familiar from TV and the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, this song captures the feelings of a heartbroken man with an upbeat melody.

Its message—filled with lingering attachment to an ex, regret, and the wish to be together again—has resonated with many.

Released in October 2009, the track has spawned yearly “buzzword” versions that reflect the spirit of the times.

In fiscal 2013, it won the JASRAC Gold Award, a remarkable feat for an indie release.

It was also used in a House Foods “Mega Shaki” commercial, gaining popularity across a wide audience.

Perfect for amping up sports festivals and dance events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike can enjoy dancing to.

ThrillerMaikeru Jakuson

[Halloween★Easy Choreography] Thriller / Michael Jackson [Kindergarten, Elementary School: Lower Grades, Middle Grades, Upper Grades, Sports Day Dance]
ThrillerMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson’s horror-themed dance song, with its brilliant rhythm and danceable sound, is perfect for a sports day finale! With choreography inspired by zombie moves, it’s sure to get kids’ hearts pumping.

Known as the title track of the album Thriller, released in November 1982, the piece blends pop, R&B, and disco elements to perfection.

The music video—produced with a budget of $500,000—made waves for its zombie dance, sparking huge reactions and opening up new possibilities for music videos.

It can be arranged to match events like ball-toss games and other sports day activities, making it a popular, highly recommended dance track that everyone can enjoy!

giftRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Gift [Official Music Video]
giftRADWIMPS

Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Anpan,” this track is pop music that poses universal questions under the theme of a journey to find the meaning of life.

With a warm, embracing melody and poetic lyrics that resonate, it depicts the small joys of everyday life and the courage to take on challenges.

Yojiro Noda and the other members of RADWIMPS completed the piece over several months in preparation for “Anpan,” which is scheduled to air from April 2025.

Brimming with vitality, the song’s message makes it perfect for events like school sports days and athletic meets—let children and adults alike enjoy a sense of unity with this track!

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」
VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

Set to a powerful rock sound, this thought‑provoking song sharply portrays the chaos of modern society and the human psyche.

Included on MAN WITH A MISSION’s EP “XV e.p.,” released in March 2025, the track was also chosen as the promotional song for the game “Mecha BREAK,” with the band sounding an alarm to society.

Addressing how we can be swept up in a whirlpool of information and lose our ability to make sound judgments, it underscores the importance of discerning the truth.

Performed on the nationwide “MAN WITH A ’15th’ MISSION PLAY WHAT U WANT TOUR 2025,” the song has expanded a circle of empathy through the unity felt at their live shows.

It also speaks to young people striving alongside their peers at school sports days and athletic festivals, urging the value of friendship and the importance of holding to one’s own convictions.

[Marching, Foot Races, and Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Your Sports Day (131–140)

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]
winding roadNovelbright

Carrying honest feelings and hope in its lyrics, Novelbright’s refreshing cheer song was born in January 2025.

Set to a grand melody and the band’s performance, the courage to overcome life’s hardships resonates deeply in the heart.

The song has been chosen as the theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Dragon of the Court,” and with vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s warm voice, it gently stands by listeners, as if watching over the growth of young people.

I believe it’s a song that gives a powerful push to those who, standing at life’s crossroads, keep moving forward despite their worries.

Brimming with youthful energy, it’s perfect for boosting your spirits before a school sports festival or athletic meet.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

This is a powerful song that celebrates youthful passion and friendship, included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011.

Within its heavy sound that fuses metalcore and post-hardcore, ONE OK ROCK’s signature refreshing melodies shine through.

It portrays the earnest determination of young people who, carrying the bonds and memories shared with their friends, move forward into the future.

The track was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” It’s a perfect choice as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals, resonating deeply with teammates who sweat together and encourage one another.

Critical HitRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Masterstroke [Official Music Video]
Critical HitRADWIMPS

This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.

Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.

The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.

This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.

It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.